Updates to Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy JICJ

On April 8, 2025, the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners approved changes to Board Policy JICJ, which governs the use of portable electronic communication devices in schools. The updated policy aims to enhance learning environments, mitigate distractions, and foster meaningful interactions among students and school staff. It will go into effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.

Why we revised our policy

A significant amount of research has demonstrated the positive impacts of limiting or forbidding the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices by students in classrooms and other school spaces. These positive impacts include:

  • Reduced distractions and disruptions to learning

  • Increased student engagement during class

  • Improved student focus

  • More efficient use of instructional time

  • More positive school climates

  • More opportunities to develop and practice social skills

  • Fewer disciplinary problems and conflicts between students

  • Reduced usage of social media

The Impact of Social Media on Students

Research shows that excessive use of social media platforms leads to:

  • Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem

  • Body dysmorphia and eating disorders

  • Self-harm and suicidal ideation

In addition, social media platforms undermine positive school climates by contributing to:

  • Cyberbullying

  • Fights/violence instigated on social media

  • Acting out and pranking for likes and shares

For these reasons, in July 2023, City Schools filed pathbreaking litigation against the companies that own five major social media companies. Read more about City Schools’ lawsuit against social media platforms here. This webpage also has resources for parents and more information about the harms of social media.

Key updates to our policy

Results from the Cell Phone-Free School Pilot

For the 2024-25 school year, City Schools began a pilot in 25 schools to test different methods to limit students’ cell phone and electronic device use. The updates to Board Policy JICJ are based on the best practices from the pilot program.

Read more about the pilot program here.

As part of the pilot, we received positive feedback from students, families, and staff.

Stakeholder Engagement & Feedback

City Schools heard from a wide range of stakeholders while revising Board Policy JICJ. This engagement included:

  • 1,000+ pilot student survey responses

  • 540 pilot parent survey responses

  • 200 pilot staff survey responses

  • Engagement with over 2,000 stakeholders, including parents, labor unions, and students.

  • Continuous engagement with pilot schools, including monthly check-ins, site visits, observations, and quarterly feedback reports

  • Reviewed policies from 32 school systems nationwide

  • Ongoing community engagement

Pilot School Perspectives

Here is what pilot school staff, students, and parents are saying about the impact of restricting device use during the school day:  

I've been able to focus more, and my grades have improved.

High School Student  

   Cell Phone-Free School Pilot

Our kids are surrounded by digital entertainment. It's important they learn to engage with the world around them.

Parent  

   Cell Phone-Free School Pilot

The impact on our school culture has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers no longer have to police phone use, avoiding unnecessary conflict. Students aren’t on social media in the bathroom or during recess … they’re more engaged, focused, and present.

High School Academic Coach  

   Cell Phone-Free School Pilot

Implementation

City Schools is committed to providing schools with guidance on implementing the updated policy. This guidance will address:

  • De-escalating interactions when students are resistant to having their devices secured

  • Best practices for communicating expectations to students and families

  • Student and family instruction and engagement on digital citizenship

  • Keeping families informed about emergency communication procedures

The updated policy will be outlined in the Family Guide and Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions